Giving credit on web page...

[hockley91]

Should I put the architects name on my 3D site as credit for the design?

 

My website shows the renderings I have done, so should I put the office, or client credit at the bottom of each image?

 

I have seen some web pages where they show credit about the client, where others just show the rendering.

[Ernest Burden III]

I do not think there is a REQUIREMENT either way. As you noted, some do, some don't.

 

Two arguements in favor of designer/client credit:

 

It re-enforces your client list. The fact that you work for that client can be a selling point, can make a potential client more comfortable with hiring you.

 

It is silly to expect architects to give you credit when they use your work if you are not going to give them credit when you use it.

[hockley91]

Ernest,

 

As always, you have insightful analysis of the questions.

 

You had answered my preceding one as well which was about giving credit to 3D work that was done with another 3D firm.

 

I have a feeling, the architects would have a problem with me not giving them credit. I suppose to be on the safe side here, in order to cover my behind, I might as well give credit for the design.

[Jeff Mottle]

At Smoothe we have long contracts that clearly state that we own the imagery and that the client is only paying for the rights to use that image for the purposes stated in the contract. Any alterations or repurposing of the image must come back to us for approval. So in other words we only give credit for the images if we feel it's advantageous for us to do so. The exception is when we sign a non-disclosure agreement with the client because of the sensitive or unfinished nature of the project, in which case it's a mute point, becuase the images can not be shown publically anyway.

[hockley91]

Well, thanks Jeff and Ernest.

 

Excellent explanations. I believe I understand your points now.

[hockley91]

Jeff,

 

Is there a resource or a website or someone out there who could contribute any examples of contracts for 3D work covering these areas that we've been discussing?

 

Thanks

[Jeff Mottle]

Not that I know of. Our lawyers drafted all of our contracts. Because it's something you are going to use all the time, or you should be. I would suggest contacting a laywer in your city that can draft up a contract to cover how you deal with your jobs, contracts, permissions etc. One you have it done you will be able to re-use it for all your jobs. You might even want to consider contacting the business faculty of your local University. Quite often they have legal-aid programs that you get get things like this done up for much less than a established legal firm.